For Love of a Slytherin

Albus' Surprise Decision

DISCLAIMER – Harry Potter and its affiliates are the sole property of JK Rowling.

DISCLAIMER – This is a gay love story between Harry and Draco. If you are offended by gay rights or homosexual innuendos, then I humbly ask you not to embarrass yourself or me by reading beyond this point. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

DISCLAIMER – If my story appears similar to anyone else's it is purely coincidental.

DISCLAIMER – "Beautiful" is a song sung by Christina Aguilera.

NOTE – Thank you to all my wonderful fans. I can promise each of you that there will definantly be a sequel to this book. As to whether I can stretch it to a trilogy, we will have to see. So without further ado, here is the next chapter.

Chapter 17 – Albus' Surprise Decision

The next morning, Draco propped himself up on one elbow carefully so that he would not disturb Harry. Dobby came in with a tray of food, but Draco quickly put his finger to his lips to quiet the elf. Dobby bowed carefully and left with a grin on his face. Dobby and Winky loved Harry and Draco and would do anything for them. To see Harry Potter actually sleeping was a good thing. Harry cared about everything that lived and breathed in the castle. It did not matter if it was a human, elf, familiar, or the many other animals that came onto the grounds. Many a night saw Harry patrolling the corridors making sure that no one was out of bounds and doing something dangerous.

Draco smiled down at his lover. The night before was a wonderful treat. Harry was always coming up with new and inventive ideas to make the spark that was their love turn into an explosion. He fingered the talisman around his neck. It was a pleasant surprise. The little gold heart with their birthstones was a wonderful idea. It was just masculine enough that it was something that could be worn in plain sight. However it did not diminish the elegance of the piece. Harry had his around his neck also. Knowing him the way he did, Draco knew that Harry would never take his off. Draco smiled at his lover.

Harry rolled over and slowly opened his eyes. When he saw Draco leaning over him, he smiled.

"You are up rather early today love," he said.

"Ummm," Draco replied. "The truth of the matter is that you finally slept in dear heart."

"Really?" asked Harry sitting up. "What time is it?"

"Somewhere close to nine," said Draco.

"I am late," said Harry getting out of bed quickly. "I have classes in a few moments."

"Lover, relax," said Draco laughing heartily. "Today is Saturday. You don't have any classes today."

Harry finally woke up and got his bearings. When he realized that Draco was laughing at him, he pounced on the bed and started to wrestle with the blonde.

"Promise me you will not take that off of your neck," said Harry.

"I promise," said Draco. "What is so special about this heart other than the fact that you gave it to me?"

"If you are in trouble and I am not near you, all you have to do is hold it and say my name," explained Harry. "Mine will react and let me know that you are in danger or that you need me."

"Will yours do the same thing?" asked Draco with interest.

"For once I broke down and decided that you all were right," said Harry. "Mine will do the same."

"Oh Harry," said Draco with a huge grin on his face. "That is music to my ears. What brought this on?"

"The other night did," said Harry. "There was no way I could fight alone. If it were not for you and Albus, I probably would have died in my sleep that night."

"I am glad that we were able to help you lover," said Draco wrapping his arms around Harry. "What is bothering you lover?"

Harry lifted his hand and flicked a finger at a CD. As it started playing, Harry started singing. As usual the castle decided that Harry's voice needed to be broadcast through the school.

Don't look at me

Everyday is so wonderful

And suddenly, it's hard to breathe

Now and then I get insecure

From all the pain, feel so ashamed

I am beautiful no matter what they say

Words can't bring you down

I am beautiful in every single way

Yes, words can't bring me down, oh no

So don't you bring me down today

To all your friends you're delirious

So consumed in all your doom

Trying hard to fill the emptiness, the piece is gone

Left the puzzle undone, aint that the way it is?

Cause you are beautiful, no matter what they say

Words can't bring you down, oh no

You are beautiful in every single way

Yes, words can't bring me down, oh no

So don't you bring me down today

No matter what we do

No matter what we do

(No matter what we say)

No matter what we say

(We're the song that's out of tune)

(Full of beautiful mistakes)

(And everywhere we go)

And everywhere we go

(The sun will always, shine)

The sun will always, always shine!

(But tomorrow we might awake on the other side)

Cause we are beautiful, no matter what they say

Yes, Words wont bring us down, oh no

We are beautiful in every single way

Yes, words can't bring us down, oh no

So don't you bring me down today

Don't you bring me down today

Don't you bring me down today

When he finished singing, Draco was practically in tears.

"You are only human Harry," said Draco wiping his eyes on the corner of the sheet. "We don't expect you to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders."

"I know lover," said Harry. "That is why I did what I did with the hearts we wear around our necks. It made me realize that I can not do this on my own. Sometimes I am so frightened that I can't stand myself. I keep thinking that I may lose you to this stupid war that I never asked for in the first place. I get angry. Then after that I feel guilty for getting angry. For instance yesterday I felt so guilty about what I did to the Death Eaters. If there were no Voldemort, these could be innocent people."

A knock on their door frame interrupted Harry's tirade.

"May we come in?" asked Severus with Albus at his shoulder.

Harry quickly dried his eyes and waved them into the room. Hermione and Ginny followed the men into the room.

"Harry," said Albus kindly. "We could not help but overhear your words."

"The four of us decided that we have something to say to you," said Hermione sitting on the edge of the bed.

Harry and Draco made sure they were covered properly as their friends and mentors sat on the bed.

"You are failing to realize a very important fact in life Harry," said Severus choosing his words carefully. "Everyone on this planet makes their choice as to what they will do in this world. Humans, elves, goblins, dragons, etc. are no exception to the rule."

"Everyone and everything was put on this planet for a reason," said Ginny.

"It is our choices that make us unique in our own ways," said Albus. "You are not an exception to that rule and neither are we."

"I know," said Harry. "I just can't help but feel like there is something more that I can do."

"That is just it Harry," said Severus. "There isn't. You already do so much for so many. We worry that you will one day stretch too far and you will hurt yourself."

"You are too important to us," said Draco. "Not just for what you do to lead this war with Voldemort, but for the love and compassion that you instill in each and every one of us."

"You are the most unselfish and loving person that any one of us has ever known," said Albus. "We love you because of who you are, not what you can do."

"I know," said Harry sadly. "I still feel bad about Amycus yesterday. Maybe I should have just had him arrested instead of what I did."

"What did you do?" asked Ginny.

"He was about to press the Dark Mark on his arm to summon Voldemort," said Harry. "I severed his arm off so that he couldn't. I am no better than they are."

"Now stop right there," snapped Albus. "I was with you. I remember what happened from the start. You warned him a few times to not go near his mark. They would have killed you if they could Harry."

"Harry," said Hermione calmly. "This IS a war. There will be casualties on both sides. You will eventually have to kill someone. At least all you took was his arm. If it would have been anyone else, it would have meant his life."

"You really need to stop beating yourself up about things like this," said Severus. "It will happen and there is nothing you can do about it. Take it from someone who knows. They will kill you at any chance they can get. It is better to defend yourself and live for the world than to let sorrow get to you because you hurt a Death Eater. Could you have battled Voldemort right then if Amycus had summoned him? I can tell you, that you would have been seriously outnumbered and outmatched. Even someone as powerful as you could not stand up to Voldemort and four other Death Eaters at the same time. You would have died and it would have been the end of us."

"And not just because you can stop him," said Ginny. "It would have ended us because we would have lost someone that means so much to us for other reasons."

"I know," said Harry. "I can comprehend everything you are telling me. As you have already stated, I AM only human. I am allowed to feel sorry for myself every now and then aren't I?"

"Of course you are," said Draco. "We would think something was wrong with you mentally if you didn't."

"The fact that you feel pain even for your enemies is what makes you the total opposite of Voldemort," said Albus. "I for one feel the same way that you do from time to time. I am glad that I have friends like Minerva and Severus to talk to."

"Really?" asked Harry with wide eyes.

"Harry," said Albus. "Before you came along and became the wonderful and not to mention powerful person that you are, I was in your shoes. This is the second Dark Wizard that I have had to battle in my life. I know how you feel. I have been in your shoes before. We do what we have to; to keep those we care about safe. You are even more amazing than I am because you DON'T want to hurt anyone. Even after everything that has been done to you, all you want is peace and love."

"We will do our best to help you achieve those goals," said Draco. "You are NOT alone."

Harry held out his arms, and the group all got into a huge huddle.

"We will succeed," said Harry. "I will continue to be strong because I have people like you to support me and to lean on. Thank you all for loving me so much."

"Well my dear boy," said Albus. "I recommend that you two get dressed. I have an important announcement to make and I need you all there. And you showing up in your birthday suit will not help me in the slightest. It will just take the attention away from me."

Everyone burst out laughing and stood up to leave. Each gave Harry a kiss on the cheek and left the room.

"Do you feel better love?" asked Draco.

In answer, Harry grabbed Draco and gave him the fullest attention he could by pressing his lips to his. When they pulled apart, both young men were smiling brightly. They quickly showered and grabbed some toast that Dobby had brought them as they got dressed. They entered the Great Hall fifteen minutes later to the applause of the school. Harry turned a deep red as he headed for the Staff table. When everyone was seated, Albus stood up and cleared his throat.

"I have called you here today to make a few major announcements," said Albus. "As you all know, the school year ends in just over two months. With the end of the school year, there will be some important staff changes."

The students started to get curious about this. Harry and the rest of the staff were giving him their fullest attention.

"Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy will be taking their NEWTS with the seventh years this year," said Albus. "Professor Potter has been tutoring them so that they will pass in all of their subjects. Please give them a round of applause."

The students clapped for them. It was known that Hermione was the brightest witch of the age. The fact that Draco was Harry's soon to be husband and a very intelligent wizard in his own right did not surprise anyone.

"I would like to point out that three members of the faculty are leaving at the end of this year," said Albus when the applause died. "Professor Flitwick has decided that it is time for a quieter life. He will be leaving the school at the end of the year. He has taught many of your parents and in some cases grandparents as well. So again I ask that you give Professor Flitwick a huge round of applause for fifty seven years of teaching here at Hogwarts."

The applause for tiny Professor Flitwick was deafening. He was a favorite of many. Albus smiled as he waited for the applause to die out.

"I also would like to add that Professor Vector will be moving to a new job with the end of the school year," said Albus. "Please give Professor Vector a round of applause."

Albus waited patiently for the applause to end. When it had, he waited an extra moment so that his next words would hit home.

"At the end of this school term," said Albus. "I will be accepting the post of Minister of Magic. This means that next year you will have a new Head Master here at Hogwarts."

There was absolute silence for moments. Albus waited as did Harry. Both men knew it was a matter of moments before pandemonium broke out. They were not disappointed. Some of the students and faculty applauded while others shouted in outrage. Others were just sitting in stunned silence. Finally Albus raised his hands for silence. It descended on the hall quickly.

"I have been in this school for many years," he said. "I am needed elsewhere so that we can continue with the work that has started here. My goal in accepting the post is for us to get the entire wizarding world united instead of just here at Hogwarts."

"Does this mean that Professor McGonagall will be taking your place?" asked Ron.

"No Mr. Weasley it does not," said Albus with an air of mystery. "I was visited by the ghosts of the founders of Hogwarts. There is only one person they will allow as the Head Master here. May I introduce your new Head Master, Professor Harry Potter?"

A crash sounded causing Albus to jump and spin. Harry had been standing up when Albus had started speaking. Upon hearing that he was going to be the new Head Master his eyes promptly rolled up into his head and he passed out cold. The crash resulted when he hit his head on the table on the way down. Poppy and Severus were at his side in a flash. Draco had leaped up and raced to be near Harry. Hermione and Ginny were hot on his trail. Those students that were not standing in horror at the scene were whispering among themselves at this new piece of news. Albus quickly dismissed the students and turned to assist with Harry. Members of Team Potter were busy escorting students out of the hall while others were waiting to see if there was anything that they could do to help Harry.

Poppy ran her wand over his head and patched him up in a jiffy. Slowly Harry came around with a groan and held his head.

"Who hit me?" he asked with a smile.

"Do I have to put a pillow on your head with a permanent sticking charm?" asked Poppy. "One of these days you will break your skull if you keep doing that."

"Then maybe you all need to stop giving me such huge surprises without warning," said Harry getting to his feet with the help of Draco and Severus. "Did I hear you just tell the school that I am going to be the new Head Master here?"

"I am afraid so," said Albus with a twinkle in his eyes. "I must say that was a great way to show the school what it looks like to be surprised silly."

"Why you old coot," said Harry lifting his hands.

Immediately Albus was wearing a frilly cocktail dress and Harry had whipped out his wand and started chasing the old man out of the Great Hall.

"I am going to get you for that Albus Dumbledore," rang out Harry's magically enhanced voice.

Members of the staff as well as students were sitting and leaning heavy on each other due to their laughter. Some were pounding the tables or ground where they sat at the scene before them. Many did not realize that Albus could move that fast. Others were complimenting Harry's choice of gown for the new Minister of Magic. Finally Harry laughed himself out. He flicked his wand and Albus was once again wearing his normal robes. Students and teachers would never forget this day. Laughter was everywhere in the castle. Harry walked up to Albus and wrapped his arms around the waist of his old friend and mentor. A laughing Albus wrapped his arms around Harry and the two chuckled at the fun.

"Ah, laughter," said Albus. "It helps those that are depressed feel better. It also helps what could be a shock turn into something pleasant."

"Are you sure I am ready for such an important position?" asked Harry sighing.

"Harry you were born ready," said Albus. "Let's return to the Great Hall and we can discuss things with the rest of the staff."

Harry and Albus entered the Great Hall arm in arm to the laughter and amusement of those that were still present.

"We are going to have a staff meeting," said Harry. "Those of Team Potter that wish to stay may do so."

He pulled out his wand and gave it a flick. The five house tables zoomed to the side of the room. Albus gave his wand a flick and a huge circular table appeared in the middle of the hall. Everyone sat and waited for the meeting to begin.

"We know that Harry is young," began Albus. "However the founders will allow no one else. This is not a slight on either Minerva or Severus."

"I am going to be dependant upon all of you to help me," said Harry. "I promise to listen to your advice and council. I am not stupid enough to think I can do this without each and every one of you."

"Well said Harry," remarked Severus with a smile. "You have my support when and if you need it. All you have to do is ask."

"The same goes for me," said Minerva. "We know that you will do an outstanding job."

"You have my support as well," said Pomona. "With as much as you have already done for the school, there could be no other choice in the matter."

"I am with ye Harry,"" said Hagrid.

"Count me in," said Rolanda Hooch.

"I will do my part," said Professor Sinistra.

"That goes for me as well," said Professor Burbage.

"I am here for you as well," said Sybil.

"I have always been fond of you," said Professor Babbling.

"I am with you until the end," said Poppy.

"Thank you all very much for the support," said Harry with tears in his eyes.

He leaned over for a few moments while Draco rocked him.

"I too will be able to help you," said Albus. "A picture of me will be in the Head Master's office. While I am still alive, it will serve in two ways. One way will be as the other Head Masters pictures, and a second way. If you should need to talk to me, it will act like a portal between your office and mine."

Harry dried his eyes and nodded.

"Well then I have a few ideas," he said. "With Hermione and Draco graduating a year early we can do a number of things. We have three open spots here in the school. Arithmancy, DADA, and Charms are now classes that need teachers. We will also need a new Head of House for both Ravenclaw and Potter. Hermione and Draco can fill in as a Professor and even a Head of House. That is if they want to."

"I think that is an excellent idea," said Albus while the other teachers were thoughtfully trying to sort things out.

"I have a suggestion," said Severus.

"I am all ears," said Harry.

"Why don't we have Miss Granger take over Arithmancy," he said. "She has the highest score this school has seen in a long time."

Everyone looked over at Hermione who blushed.

"I can do that," she said.

"We can have Draco take over charms," said Harry. "What do you say lover?"

"Charms, is not subject that I am strong at," admitted Draco. "I pass it with an Exceeds Expectation, but it is a weak one."

"How about we do this," said Minerva. "Severus, why don't you take over as the DADA professor? Draco can take over Potions, and Remus can come in as the Charms Professor."

"I like that," said Harry. "Draco and Hermione are the best in the school in Potions. I really want someone powerful and skilled in DADA. While Remus is a good professor in that subject, he is just as skilled in Charms."

"Are you sure Harry?" asked Severus. "I want to help out as much as I can, but I don't want to offend anyone either."

Albus sat back in his chair with a twinkle in his eyes. Harry was doing just as he expected he would. He was taking charge and listening to the advice from his peers. He didn't have to say anything. He was enjoying watching Harry fall into his position. The founders made the right choice for his replacement.

"I am sure," said Harry bringing Albus back to the conversation. "If Albus doesn't mind contacting Remus for me, I can make the necessary changes for what we have already. I know I don't have to tell anyone in this room that this is private until I make the announcements next year."

Heads nodded from the staff and students. Harry looked to Draco.

"Would you take over potions for me?" he asked.

"That I can do," said Draco kissing him on the cheek.

"Who will you name as my successor as Head of Ravenclaw House," asked Filius.

"I have an idea," said Harry. "If you all don't like it, then just let me know."

All eyes were riveted on Harry as he spoke the next words.

"Severus can take over as Head of Potter House," said Harry. "Draco can replace him as Head of Slytherin House. Hermione can replace Filius as Head of Ravenclaw House. What do you all think?"

"As Hermione is a descendant of Rowena," said Severus that makes sense. "Why would you have me as Head of Potter House instead of Draco?"

"In June he will be a Potter," said Harry. "I don't want to show favoritism. No offense lover. Minerva as a descendant of Gryffindor is perfect where she is. Plus she will retain her position as Deputy Head Mistress. You are the perfect choice to take over as Head of House for Potter."

Heads nodded all around the table.

"That makes sense," said Severus. "I accept."

"I accept also," said Hermione. "As long as you promise that if I need help you give it to me."

"You and Draco don't even need to ask," said Harry. "The same assistance that has been given to me will be given to the two of you as well."

"Then we should have no problems," said Draco. "I know you will watch out over us."

"Albus do you have anything that you want to add?" asked Harry.

"I think it would be prudent to have the elves start moving my stuff to my new office," said Albus. "That way when my rooms are empty, Dobby and Winky can move you and Draco's things to my room and your new office. I would assume that Miss Granger will be staying where she is."

"Yes Minister," said Hermione. "We will also house guest rooms for such as the Weasleys and Narcissa."

"Well Harry," said Albus. "It seems you have everything under control. By the end of the year, you will have fallen into a routine that is comfortable for you for both DADA and Head Master duties. I will be coming here less and less until the end of the year. It will be hard being in two places at once. I will contact Remus for you and have him report to you by the end of the year and be ready for next year. Severus and Draco will have to help with the Wolfsbane Potion. Other than that I think you have things well in order. Just remember that if you ever have a question or you need some help, that there are many people here that would be more than willing to guide you in the right direction."

"Thanks Albus," said Harry. "It means everything to me that these people before me are willing to back me one hundred percent. I promise to make you all proud."

"You already do Harry," said Ginny getting an applause from the assembly. "You already give us everything we need and most of what we want. You will be great as Head Master."

"Oh and Harry," said Albus. "By all means keep on singing. Even when you are feeling blue the voice you have for singing is a wonderful gift. I will be listening from the other side of the portrait."

Harry laughed as he wrapped his arms around Draco. The two young men were happy. Things would eventually turn out for them the way they wanted. The history books would be filled with volumes about these wonderful people known as Team Potter.

"Harry could you sing your song that you sang this morning again?" asked Minerva. "It was a catchy tune with a powerful meaning."

"If it will make you happy my dear old besom," said Harry with a laugh.

"I will forget you said that if you start singing now," she said pulling out her wand. "If not I will make what you did to Albus pale in comparison to what I will do to you."

"Ok, OK," he said laughing. "Keep you hat on."

Harry flicked his wand and the CD from this morning appeared and stared spinning. He sang the lyrics again. This time there was a happy feeling in them and the audience was humming along with him. Hermione and Albus put the Great Hall back to its regular way as Harry sang. Students were listening as they came in to eat lunch.

Don't look at me

Everyday is so wonderful

And suddenly, it's hard to breathe

Now and then I get insecure

From all the pain, feel so ashamed

I am beautiful no matter what they say

Words can't bring you down

I am beautiful in every single way

Yes, words can't bring me down, oh no

So don't you bring me down today

To all your friends you're delirious

So consumed in all your doom

Trying hard to fill the emptiness, the piece is gone

Left the puzzle undone, aint that the way it is?

Cause you are beautiful, no matter what they say

Words can't bring you down, oh no

You are beautiful in every single way

Yes, words can't bring me down, oh no

So don't you bring me down today

No matter what we do

No matter what we do

(No matter what we say)

No matter what we say

(We're the song that's out of tune)

(Full of beautiful mistakes)

(And everywhere we go)

And everywhere we go

(The sun will always, shine)

The sun will always, always shine!

(But tomorrow we might awake on the other side)

Cause we are beautiful, no matter what they say

Yes, Words wont bring us down, oh no

We are beautiful in every single way

Yes, words can't bring us down, oh no

So don't you bring me down today

Don't you bring me down today

Don't you bring me down today

AUTHOR'S NOTE – I was feeling a bit down on myself today. I came across this song and it meant so much to me that I had to put it in the story for Harry. The point in this chapter was to let you all know that even on your worst days that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL and someone out there in the world doesn't care what you look like or what you have or have not accomplished. They love you for you and what makes you shine inside. Thanks for following along with me.

Other Collections

About Us:

Inkitt is the world’s first reader-powered book publisher, offering an online community for talented authors and book lovers. Write captivating stories, read enchanting novels, and we’ll publish the books you love the most based on crowd wisdom.